Monday, January 2, 2012

Iyanla Vanzant is the founder and executive director of Inner Visions International and the Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. She is the author of 13 titles—including five New York Times bestsellers—and the Inner Visions CD Series. Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through has been published by SmileyBooks and available here. Iyanla is a Spiritual Technician. She is a Master Teacher. She is a woman of passion, clear vision and purpose, with a wicked sense of humor. Ordinary? Maybe. We think Dr. Maya Angelou's description is much more appropriate. Iyanla is, by many accounts, a Phenomenal Woman!

I will know peace when . . . I am willing to be peaceful.

Fighting to have your way does not increase your peace. Fighting others about their ways does not increase your peace. Refusing to acknowledge when you have made a mistake does not increase your peace. Going to extraordinary lengths to avoid making a mistake does not increase your peace. Refusing to acknowledge and embrace your shortcomings does not increase your peace. Pointing out the short comings of others does not increase your peace. Trying to fix other people does not increase your peace. Constantly telling yourself there is something wrong with you does not increase your peace. Not asking for what you want does not increase your peace. Accepting less than you want does not increase your peace. Trying to prove your worth and value does not increase your peace. Refusing to accept that others are worthy or valuable does not increase your peace. Failing to take responsibility for yourself does not increase your peace. Taking on the responsibility for the lives of others does not increase your peace. Avoiding unpleasant things does not increase your peace. Trusting that you are always doing the very best you can will and does increase your peace.

Until today, you may have been engaged in behaviors and activities that disturb your peace of mind. Just for today, increase your peace. Engage in self-loving, self-nurturing, self-supporting behaviors and activities.